Tubing catcher



Sept lo, H H HALL TUBING CATCHER Filed Nov. 2e, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l i l f ////1, y

gnam/WDM Homer H. HaH

Sept. 10, 1940. H. H. HALL y 2,214,196

TUBING CATCHER Filed Nov. 26, 195'? 2 sheets-sheet 2 lil Patented Sept. 10, 1940 ijhiiiqi STTE asians TUBING CA'E'CHEB Homer H. Hall, Tulsa, Okla., assignor to .l ames B. Duri, Tulsa, (ikla.

Application November 26, 1937, Serial No. 176,517

11 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in tubing catchers.

As is well known, it is the usual practice to connect a tubing catcher in the tubing string of a well and lower the same with said string into the well casing. In the event that the tubing should break, the catcher is operated to grip the well casing and prevent falling of the broken tubing string to the bottom of the casing. The majority of tubing catchers, which are now on the open market, are constructed in various sizes to. t tubing and casing of varying diameter. When the size of the tubing or casing is changed, it is necessary that the size oi the tubing catcher be changed, which causes a well operator to maintain a supply of tubing catchers of various sizes to take care of changes in the diameter of the tubing and casing.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide an improved tubing catcher which may, with slight changes, be employed with well tubing and casing of various diameters, whereby a single catcher may be utilized in diierent size pipe, within certain limits.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved tubing catcher having a removable slip head on which gripping slips are slidable, the removability of said head making it possible to change or replace the same with a head of a different size, whereby the size of the catcher with relation to the well casing diameter may be readily varied to permit the catcher to be used within well casings of different sizes.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved tubing catcher which is adapted to be connected in a well tubing; the connections by which said tubing is secured to the catcher being readily removable, whereby said connections may be replaced by connections of other sizes to accommodate tubing of various diameters, thereby making the catcher applicable todiierent size tubing.

A further object of the invention isl to provide a tubing catcher, of the character described, wherein a section of the well tubing may be utilized as the supporting mandrel of the catcher, whereby the tubing and mandrel are of the same diameter.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved tubing catcher having a slip head on which gripping slips are slidable, said head having inserts therein on which said slips are movable; the removability of said inserts making it possible to readily replace the same with inserts of any size to permit the catcher (Ci. HB3- 219) to be used in well casings of various diameters.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood 5 from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a View, partly in elevation and partly in section, of a tubing catcher, constructed in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is a horizontal, cross-sectional View, taken on the line 2 2 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a View similar to Figure 1 and showing the tubing catcher used with tubing and casing of a different diameter,

Figure 4 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of a modied form of the invention, y 0

Figure 5 is a View, similar to Figure 4, with the device applied to tubing of a different diameter, there being a slight modification in the fishing neck,

Figure 6 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 5, l

Figure 7 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of the upper portion of the tubing catcher and showing another method of securing the slip head to the shing neck, 50

Figure 8 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line 8-3 of Figure '7, and

Figure 9 is a horizontal, cross-sectional View taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 7.

In the drawings, the numeral l0 designates an elongate tubular mandrel which forms' the main support of the tubing catcher. This mandrel maybe constructed from a section of the well tubing string A in which the catcher is to be connected, whereby said mandrel will be of the same diameter as the tubing string. The upper end of the mandrel is externally screw-threaded into the lower end of the bore M' of a shing neck l2. The tubing string A is threaded into the upper end of said iishing neck, whereby the 40 mandrel is secured to the tubing string. The lower end of the fishing neckvlZ is enlarged to form an external collar i3 which is provided with screw threads I4 on its peripheral portion. A slip head l5 having an'axial bore I6 through which the mandrel lll extends, surrounds said mandrel, as is clearly shown in Figure 1. The bore of the slip head is enlarged at its upper end and this enlarged portion l1 is threaded so that the head l5 may be screwed onto the externally 55 threaded collar I3 which is formed at the lower end of the fishing neck I2.

In Figure l, the external diameter of the mandrel Ill has been shown as substantially equal to the bore Iii of the head I5, but, as will be explained, the size of the mandrel Ii! may vary. The mandrel and head are secured to the iishing neck I2, which neck is in turn, fastened to the tubing string A, whereby the mandrel and head are carried by said string. The head I5 is formed with a plurality of inclined faces I8 (Figure 2) and gripping slips IS are adapted to slide vertically on these faces. Each face I8 is formed with a vertical rib 2B which is adapted to engage a complementary groove 2l formed in the rear face of each slip I9, whereby said slips are guided in their vertical movement on the head I 5. When the slips are near the lower end of the head I5, as shown in Figure l, the gripping teeth 22 provided on the outer surface of said slips, are disengaged from the inner wall of the well casing B. However, when the slips are moved upwardly on the head, the inclined faces I 8 on which said slips ride, act to move the slips outwardly in a radial direction, whereby their gripping teeth 22 are engaged with the casing wall. Therefore, it will be seen that so long as the slips remain in a lowered position, the head may move downwardly through the well casing B, but upon upward movement of the slips with relation to the head, the teeth 22 of said slips engage the inner wall of the casing to prevent further downward movement of the head I5.

Each slip is provided with depending ears 23 at its lower end and the upper end of a link 24 is pivotally secured to the ears 23. The lower end of each link 2li is pivoted between ears 25 which extend upwardly from a flanged sleeve 25. mandrel and normally rests upon a guide collar 2l which is threaded onto the lower end of the mandrel. A coiled spring 28 is coniined between the collar 2l and the ange at the upper end of the sleeve 26 and said spring constantly exerts its Ypressure to urge the sleeve upwardly. However, the weight of Ythe sleeve, as well as the weight of the slips I9, are sulicient to hold the spring compressed or under tension. The guide collar 2l has an integral nipple 28 depending axially therefrom and this nipple is externally screw-threaded. 'Ihe bore 29 of the nipple is of substantially the same diameter as the bore of the mandrel I0 which, as has been explained, is of the same diameter as the tubing string A. A coupling collar 3Q secures the nipple 28 to the tubing string A and thus it will be seen that the device is connected at any point within a tubing string.

Normally, the parts are in the position shown in Figure l and the tubing string may be lowered through the well casing B without interference from the slips I9, which slips are held in their lowered or disengaged position by the weight of said slips, in addition tothe weight of the sleeve 2&5. In the event that the tubing string A should break at any point, asudden downward movement of the string would result. Since the string is directly connected through the sliing neck I2 and the collar 21 to the mandrel III, the mandrel will of course move downwardly with the tubing string and as the head I5 is also fastened to the iishing neck I2, said head will move simultaneously with the mandrel. The sleeve 25, which has the slips I 9 secured thereto by the links 24, is slidable on the mandrel I0 and The sleeve surrounds the lower end of the sudden downward movement of the mandrel and head, due to the tubing string breaking, will cause the mandrel and head to move downwardly with relation to the sleeve 25, said sleeve remaining stationary because the inertia of the weight of the sleeve 26 will hold the sleeve momentarily stationary. Since the slips I9 are secured to said sleeve, said slips will also be held stationary and the downward movement of the mandrel and head will cause the inclined faces of the head I5 to expand the slips I9 in a radial direction, whereby said slips will engage the wall of the casing B and thereby halt further downward movement of the head, mandrel and tubing string. It is noted that the operation of the tubing catcher is substantially the same as the present type of tubing catcher now on the open market.

So long as the tubing catcher is used within a casing and tubing of the size shown in Figure l, no change is made in said catcher. However, if the device is to be connected in a tubing having a smaller diameter, then the shing neck l2 and the guide collar 2 are changed so as to accommodate a smaller size tubing. Such change of these parts is disclosed in Figure 3. To make the device adaptable to tubing of a smaller size, the collar 21 is replaced by a collar 2l which is of substantially the same construction as the collar 2l, with the exception that its bore 29 is smaller so as to receive the smaller size tubing A. The connection between the smaller tubing and the collar 2l' is exactly the same as that shown in the first form. A mandrel l0 having the same diameter as the reduced size tubing A', is substituted for the mandrel Il) and extends through the sleeve 26 and the head I5. The upper end of the reduced mandrel Ill is threaded into the bore of a shing neck I2 which is of a smaller size than the fishing neck I2.

The use of the reduced mandrel Ill will cause an annular space to be present between the bore I6 of the head I5, and a similar space is formed between said mandrel and the bore 25x" of the sleeve 26. In order to prevent a lateral movement of the head and sleeve with relation to the reduced mandrel, due to this clearance space, a bushing 3l surrounds the reduced mandrel ID and is inserted into the lower end of the bore I6 of the head. This bushing is provided with an external annular groove 22, which groove is engaged by a radial set screw 3S which is threaded through an opening 34 provided in the lower end of the head I5. A similar bushing 35 surrounds the reduced mandrel Ill and is disposed within the upper end of the bore 26 of the sleeve 25, being held in position by a set screw 3S which' is threaded through a radial opening 3l in said sleeve. The inner end of the screw 35 engages the annular groove 35 in the bushing 35.

With the above arrangement, it will be manifest that by changing the iishing neck-|2 and substituting the shing neck I 2 and also by substituting the guide collar 21 for the collar 2'17, the tubing catcher may be connected in a tubing string having a smaller diameter. The mandrel I Il is of course replaced with the mandrel I0' and the bushings 3l and 35 are inserted within the bore I6 of the head and the bore 26 of the sleeve. The tubing catcher is thus adaptable to be readily applied to tubing of various diameters.`

If it is desired to use the tubing catcher within a casing B, which is of a larger size than that disclosed in Figure 1, then it is only necessary to re move the head I5 from. the fishing neck I2. In place of this head, a larger head having an increased diameter to conform to the diameter of the casing is substituted. This larger size head is shown in Figure 3 and fits within a larger diameter casing B.

It might be desirable in some instances, to omit the screw-threaded connection between the slip head and the fishing neck and in such case a connection between the head and the neck such as is disclosed in Figures 7 to 9, could be employed. In this case, the head I5 is provided with a trio of arcuate recesses 40 in its top. The solid portion 4I between the recesses is undercut or slotted as shown at 42. The fishing neck 43 has its lower end enlarged to form a collar i4 and the lower end 'of this collar is provided with a plurality of radially extending arcuate lugs 45. These lugs are adapted to fit within the recesses 55 formed in the top of the head. After the lugs have been inserted within the recesses, the fishing neck d3 is rotated so that said lugs enter the undercut slots #i2 beneath the solid portion di of the head. After the lugs have been engaged beneath the overhanging portions li I, arcuate retaining members d8 are fastened within the recesses III), so as to prevent rotation of the head with relation to the fishing neck. This arrangement confines the lugs i5 within the undercut recesses or slots 52, whereby the neck and head are fastened together. To disconnect these parts, it is only necessary to remove the retaining members 46 from their respective recesses di?, after which the neck is rotated to move the lugs 45 into alinement with the recesses 4B. When this is done, the neck may be raised upwardly and removed from the head. This type of fastening may be substituted in place of the screw threads on the collar I3 of the neck I2, which is shown in Figure l and either type of fastening is suitable.

In adapting the tubing catcher to a casing of larger size, the forms shown in Figures 1, 3 and 7, require that the entire head I5 be replaced by one of a different size. In Figures 4 to 6, a modiiied form of the invention is shown, wherein it is not necessary to replace the entire head. In this form the shing neck I2 having the threaded collar I3 at its lower end is used. Secured to the collar I3 of said neck is an adapter collar 55 which is provided with a depending screwthreaded nipple 5I A slip head 52 has the upper end of its bore enlarged and internally threaded to receive the nipple 5I. This head is provided with a plurality of recesses or vertical slots 53 which are spaced equally around said head, as lis clearly shown in Figure 6. A vertical plate 55 is insertable within each vertical slot 53 and the outer surface of this plate is inclined at 55 to form the slip expanding surface. The plate dovetails into the slot, whereby outward radial displacement of said plate is prevented. When in place within the vertical recess or slot, each plate rests on a shoulder 55 provided at the lower end of said slot and the upper end of the plate lies flush with the top of the head 52. The collar 55 which is secured to the fishing neck and also to the head 52 overhangs the plate 54 and prevents upward displacement thereof.

Each plate is formed with a dovetail rib 51 which engages a complementary groove or recess 58 in the rear face of the slips I9, whereby said slip is guided in its vertical movement on the inclined face 55 of each plate 54. The operation of this form is exactly the same as the form hereinbefore described.

When the plates 5d are utilized, -it is obvious that when the device is to be applied or used in a casing of a larger size, it is only necessary to unscrew the collar 50 from the head 52. The plates 54 may then be removed from their vertical slots 53 and larger plates 59 (Figure 5) substituted therefor, the parts are then returned to the position shown in Figure 5 and the device may be lowered within a larger casing.

It is not essential that the collar 55 be made separately from the fishing neck I2 for, as shown in Figure 5, the fishing neck may be enlarged to form an overhanging collar 55 which retains the plates 59 in position within their respective slots. In such case, the collar 55 which is formed integral with the lower end of the fishing neck has the depending nipple 5I which screws into the head 52. In this latter form, wherein the removable plates are provided, it is manifest that the size of the tubing may be changed merely by changing the fishing neck and substituting a fishing neck having a smaller bore to accommodate the smaller tubing. A smaller tubing string is shown connected to this form in Figure 5 and as will be seen by observing this figure, the bushings 3i and 35 are employed in the same manner as in the first form.

From the foregoing, it will be obvious that a tubing catcher which is readily adaptable for use in casing and tubing of varying diameters is provided. The change in the tubing catcher may be accomplished quickly and easily and the gripping slips, as well as the sleeve 25 which carries said slips, are used in all forms regardless of the size of the casing or tubing. By providing a tubing catcher of this type, it is evident that it is not necessary that a tubing catcher be provided for each particular size of-tubing and casing.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A tubing catcher for a well tubing string including, a tubular mandrel, a connection'in the well tubing string adapted to detachably receive the upper end of the mandrel, a second connection in the string for receiving the lower end of the mandrel, whereby the mandrel forms a part of and is detachably connected in the string, a slip head having a. bore through which the man` drel extends, said head being carried by the upper connection, expansible slips mounted on the head and arranged to be expanded when the head is moved downwardly with relation to said slips, the diameter of the mandrel being less than the diameter of the bore, and means insertable within the bore of the head for holding said mandrel in axial alinement with said bore.

2. A. tubing catcher for a well tubing string including, a tubular mandrel, a connection in the wellV tubing string adapted to detachably receive the upper end of the mandrel, a second connection in the string for receiving the lower end of the mandrel, whereby the mandrel forms a part of and is detachably connected in the string, av

' head,

per connection whereby said head may be removed and replaced by one of a different size.

3. A tubing catcher for a tubing string including, a tubular mandrel, a iishing neck having a threaded bore for receiving the upper end of the mandrel, a guide collar threaded onto the lower end of the mandrel, said neck and collar being arranged to also receive the well tubing whereby the mandrel is connected in the tubing string, a slip head having a. bore through which the mandrel extends directly threaded onto the fishing neck and movable therewith, and gripping slips slidable on said head normally in a retracted position on said head and adapted to be moved to an expanded position when the head is moved with relation to said slips.

4. A tubing catcher for a tubing string including, a tubular mandrel, a iishing neck having a threaded b-ore for Areceiving the upper end of the mandrel, a guide collar threaded onto the lower end of the mandrel, said neck and collar being arranged to also receive the well tubing whereby the mandrel is connected in the tubing string, a slip head having a bore through which the mandrel extends directly threaded onto the iishing neck and movable therewith, gripping slips slidable on said head normally in a retracted position on said head and adapted to be moved to an expanded position when the head is moved with relation to said slips, threaded connections between the mandrel and iishing neck and guide collar and means insertable within the bore of the head for holding said mandrel in axial alinement Ywith said bore.

5. A tubing catcher for a tubing string including, a tubular mandrel, a shing neck having a threaded bore for receiving the upper end of the mandrel, a guide collar threaded onto the lower end of the mandrel, said neck and collar being l, arranged to also receive the well tubing whereby the mandrel is connected in the tubing string, a slip head having a bore through which the mandrel extends directly threaded onto the fishing neck and movable therewith, expansible slips mounted on the head, and a sleeve surrounding the lower end of the mandrel and connected with the slips for holding the slips momentarily stationary upon sudden downward movement of the whereby said head may move downwardly with relation to the slips to expand said slips.

6. A tubing catcher for a tubing string including, a tubular mandrel, a fishing neck having a threaded bore for receiving the upper end of the mandrel, a guide collar threaded onto the lower end of the mandrel, said neck and collar being arranged to also receive the well tubing whereby the mandrel is connected in the tubing string, a slip head having a bore through which the mandrel extends threaded onto the fishing neck, expansible slips mounted on the head, a sleeve surrounding the lower end of the mandrel and ccnnected with the slips for holding the slips momentarily stationary upon sudden downward movement of the head, whereby said head may move downwardly withrelation to the slips to expand said slips, the size of the mandrel being less than the diameter of the bore, and means insertable within the bore of the head and within the bore of the sleeve for holding said mandrel in axial alinement with the head and sleeve.

7. A tubing catcher including, a tubular mandrel adapted to be connected in a tubing string, a slip head surrounding said mandrel, removable guide plates mounted on said head, and expansible slips mounted on said plates are arranged to be expanded radially of the mandrel and head when the head is moved downwardly of the slips.

8. A tubing catcher including, a tubular mandrel, a connection in the well tubing string adapted to detachably receive the upper end of the mandrel, a second connection in the string for receiving the lower end of the mandrel whereby the mandrel is detachably connected in the tubing string, a slip head surrounding the mandrel and having vertically extending recesses in the outer surface, guide plates removably mounted in the recesses and having their outer surfaces inclined to form slip expanding surfaces, and gripping means slidable on said slip expanding surfaces.

9. A tubing catcher including, a tubing string, an elongate tubular mandrel having its lower end connected by screw threads in said tubing string, a coupling element carried by the tubing string and having a bore for receiving the upper end oi the mandrel whereby said mandrel forms a part of said string and is detachably connected therein, a slip head surrounding the mandrel and having its upper end secured directly to the exterior of the coupling element, and gripping slips slidable on said head normally in a retracted position on said head and adapted to be moved to an expanded position when the head, mandrel and tubing string are moved relative to said slips.

l0. A well tool including, a body having an axial bore therethrough, anchoring elements carried on the body, a mandrel disposed in the bore of the body and having its upper end screwthreaded, the body having a countersunk internally screw-threaded recess in its upper end surrounding its bore, and a removable iishing neck having an annular base screw-.threaded internally and externally and screwed onto the upper end of said mandrel and into the recess of the body to immovably connect the neck and body.

l1. In a well tool, the combination of an elongated tubular mandrel, ahead having a bore therethrough through which the mandrel extends and in which the mandrel is removably disposed, anchoring elernents slidable vertically on the head, an actuator slidably mounted on the mandrel, connections between the anchoring elements and the actuator, and a fishing neck having screw-threaded engagement with the upper end of the head and mandrel for removably holding them in rigid relation with each other.

HOMER H. HALL. 

